From the editor’s desk

Published: Monday, Dec. 24, 2012 10:36 a.m. CST

And so it is Christmas ... On behalf of the Bureau County Republican and myself, I’d like to wish you a wonderful Christmas. We hope your day is filled with warm hearts, smiles and laughter — enough to make a host of memories to last until next year.

Personally, I hope you experience as much Christmas chaos as you desire, but I also hope you’ll be able to carve out a few minutes in your hectic day to — as cliche as it may sound — remember the reason for the season. May you reflect on why we celebrate this day, and may we all remember what our knees are for ...

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Last week’s winter storm — though we were fully warned — still seemed to take us by surprise. Electric outages were rampant on the west side of the county. Vehicles slid into ditches. Snow scrapers failed to make it back into our vehicles ... I think last year’s mild winter gave us a false sense of security. I know it did for me.

Maybe Mother Nature’s fury last week was just a reminder we must be prepared for winter weather. This is the Midwest, so I think we should expect the worst weather and then hopefully be pleasantly surprised when if it doesn’t arrive.

Mother Nature can be a brutal old soul. I urge you to check on family and friends — especially senior citizens — during bad weather. Also, please remember pets need some extra attention during cold weather.

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Thought for today: “No person was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.” Calvin Coolidge.

Thought for tomorrow: “You only keep what you give away.” R.E. Phillips.

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It’s here! The Bureau County Republican’s Winter 2012-13 Illinois Valley Living magazine has arrived. You’ll want to get a copy of this very cool magazine we publish, which if full of the people, places and things in and around the Illinois Valley. These magazines are being distributed all around the area. You can also stop by the BCR to pick up your own free copy. We are also offering a subscription to Illinois Valley Living, which publishes four times a year. Call Brandie in our Circulation Department at 815-875-4461, ext. 239, for more information.

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As 2012 comes to a close, I want you to know the BCR has many exciting projects already scheduled for next year. I know you’re going to like each and every one of them. We truly develop projects with our readers and advertisers in mind, so you’ll want to watch for some new items in the very near future.

Also, your input is integral to our success in bringing you not only the news, but also a variety of other projects. Any time you have an idea, please feel free to give myself or BCR Sales Development Manager Pam Pratt-Marsh a call. While I can’t promise that each and every idea will work for us, we sure want your input, and we’ll do whatever we can to bring it to fruition. We can be reached at 815-875-4461, ext. 241 (Pam), or ext. 229 for myself.

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I’m always impressed with the generosity of Bureau County folks. Not a day goes by where I don’t hear of someone who has given of themselves or reached down deep into their pockets to help another person. That’s one of the great things I admire and love about living in Bureau County.

At this time of the year, I have to mention the amount of generosity I have seen throughout this holiday season. Toys, food, money, time ... I’ve seen people be extremely generous, and I’m proud to know so many of you. Thank you for your kindness to others.

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Well, it won’t be long before 2012 will just be a memory. I hope you’ll enjoy the Year in Review we are publishing, beginning in today’s newspaper. I hope your Christmas is filled with love. Take time for you. And remember ... you are important to me and the BCR.